Opinions on Direction (Toyota Related)

[vandert]

Alright, here is my current build: Vandert's 1992 4Runner Build-Up Thread - YotaTech Forums

With lots of updates since then.

I'm in Iraq right now but due back in mid April.

So my question is should I take the 302 I have and put it in the 92 Runner.
Sell all my toy's and buy a new Tacoma - Brand new 4dr 4wd TRD etc.
Buy a new 4Runner
Buy a 06 or newer 4Runner
Buy a used Taco Double Cab

I'm going to have about 12g's to put towards my next vehicle purchase once I sell my Saleen, as it is getting paid off here, if I sell the 92 and the F150 that's the donor vehicle for the 4Runner swap, I'll have about 16 or 17g's to buy or put down on a new one.

What would you guys do and Why? I've owned a 04 4Runner and loved it, but like the 06 or newer with 3rd row and v8 5-speed auto.

If I buy New Taco it's loaded and with 6-speed.

Not 100% why I put the new 4Runner, think i would buy a new FJ cruiser before I bought a new 4Runner but let me know your opinions.

I have 2 kids and am a single dad so need the 4 doors, my girlfriend has a daughter as well so enteratining the 3rd Row 4Runner greatly at this time.
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[theizzardking]

my only advise is buy whatever you really want man, i never spend that sort of money with "girlfriends" in mind no matter how serious, you're over there in the desert busting your balls, get something that makes you feel it was worth, i mean of course you gotta be a little bit practical but i'd kick the 3rd row seating idea to the curb.

worst case you just get some crappy van for a few grand for those family trips with 5-6 kids in the car...lol

i voted for the fj just case that's what i like, but get what suits your taste it's not like you haven't earned a little something sweet!

 

[Ross]

Alright, here is my current build: Vandert's 1992 4Runner Build-Up Thread - YotaTech Forums

With lots of updates since then.

I'm in Iraq right now but due back in mid April.

So my question is should I take the 302 I have and put it in the 92 Runner.
Sell all my toy's and buy a new Tacoma - Brand new 4dr 4wd TRD etc.
Buy a new 4Runner
Buy a 06 or newer 4Runner
Buy a used Taco Double Cab

I'm going to have about 12g's to put towards my next vehicle purchase once I sell my Saleen, as it is getting paid off here, if I sell the 92 and the F150 that's the donor vehicle for the 4Runner swap, I'll have about 16 or 17g's to buy or put down on a new one.

What would you guys do and Why? I've owned a 04 4Runner and loved it, but like the 06 or newer with 3rd row and v8 5-speed auto.

If I buy New Taco it's loaded and with 6-speed.

Not 100% why I put the new 4Runner, think i would buy a new FJ cruiser before I bought a new 4Runner but let me know your opinions.

I have 2 kids and am a single dad so need the 4 doors, my girlfriend has a daughter as well so enteratining the 3rd Row 4Runner greatly at this time.
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delete

 

[Ross]

Alright, here is my current build: Vandert's 1992 4Runner Build-Up Thread - YotaTech Forums

With lots of updates since then.

I'm in Iraq right now but due back in mid April.

So my question is should I take the 302 I have and put it in the 92 Runner.
Sell all my toy's and buy a new Tacoma - Brand new 4dr 4wd TRD etc.
Buy a new 4Runner
Buy a 06 or newer 4Runner
Buy a used Taco Double Cab

I'm going to have about 12g's to put towards my next vehicle purchase once I sell my Saleen, as it is getting paid off here, if I sell the 92 and the F150 that's the donor vehicle for the 4Runner swap, I'll have about 16 or 17g's to buy or put down on a new one.

What would you guys do and Why? I've owned a 04 4Runner and loved it, but like the 06 or newer with 3rd row and v8 5-speed auto.

If I buy New Taco it's loaded and with 6-speed.

Not 100% why I put the new 4Runner, think i would buy a new FJ cruiser before I bought a new 4Runner but let me know your opinions.

I have 2 kids and am a single dad so need the 4 doors, my girlfriend has a daughter as well so enteratining the 3rd Row 4Runner greatly at this time.
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What are you going to do with it? Are you going to wheel it hard, what kind of trails etc. Will you camp, fish, hunt, etc.

I have a built Wrangler, I got it when I was single. I have a wife and kids now. Had I to do it again I would build a pre 86 4Runner. And buy another car for a daily driver.

 

[Thai]

Instead of a Tacoma, you may want to look at a Nissan Frontier...a better value for the dollar. Otherwise, good luck with your decision.

 

[Will733]

Instead of a Tacoma, you may want to look at a Nissan Frontier...a better value for the dollar. Otherwise, good luck with your decision.

Tough to declare the Nissan a better value.

You may get similar options for less now, but resale will also be lower which is probably why Intellichoice named the Tacoma the 2011 best value pickup (4Runner won this award as well). Plus the Frontier also looks cheaper, but if you don't care for looks then go for it.

 

[Glock_19]

I love my 4Runner but if I could do it all over again I would've gotten a Tacoma. If I were you I would just look for a 2006-2008 Tacoma.

 

[Ross]

My issue with Nissan would be availability of aftermarket support. If I am buying a new or newer car leaving it stock and holding on to it for a few years resale would be a big deal. Either way I think Toyota would be a better choice over Nissan.

if I am buying a car to modify and abuse off road, availability of parts and support would be more of a concern.

It all depends on what the OP has in mind for this vehicle. Without knowing the purpose or usage it is hard to have a give a good opinion.

 

[Thai]

Tough to declare the Nissan a better value.

You may get similar options for less now, but resale will also be lower which is probably why Intellichoice named the Tacoma the 2011 best value pickup (4Runner won this award as well). Plus the Frontier also looks cheaper, but if you don't care for looks then go for it.

Here is why it is a better value:

1. Rated equally by Consumer Reports in reliability; not sure about resale value, but CR is very high on it

2. Fully-boxed frame; a small version of the Titan's frame. The Tacoma frame is boxed only in the front cab; middle and rear are C-frame. Car & Driver noted the Tacoma's frame to be flexy (in a bad way!) in their long-term test.

3. Rear disc brakes...i find this ridiculous that the Tacoma still has drum brakes!

4. Because it is not popular as Tacoma, you can haggle more...thus, a better value on dollar face.

5. The rear bed is more flexible (from what i have read) and the lining is tougher as well.

6. Dana 44 rear axle

7. Underbody is much cleaner in the Frontier over the Tacoma's everything-hanging-low underbody.

Yes, on appearance the interior looks cheaper than the Tacoma...but, if you actually touch the tacoma's interior, it ain't all expensive either!

 

[vandert]

my only advise is buy whatever you really want man, i never spend that sort of money with "girlfriends" in mind no matter how serious, you're over there in the desert busting your balls, get something that makes you feel it was worth, i mean of course you gotta be a little bit practical but i'd kick the 3rd row seating idea to the curb.

worst case you just get some crappy van for a few grand for those family trips with 5-6 kids in the car...lol

i voted for the fj just case that's what i like, but get what suits your taste it's not like you haven't earned a little something sweet!

Tahnks for the opinion but woman and I have been together for years and I'm actually getting my vasectomy reversed so we can have more kids. I also travel alot. I wouldn't have put any of these options on here if I wasn't crazy about all of them.

If I buy a 4Runner I will get the v8 3rd row for me, and for possible expansion, I bought the 04 and the only regret I ended up having with that 4Runner was not having the 3rd row, that's it, so decided a long time ago it would be with the v8 3rd row if Ibuy another. The 2010 and 2011 i'm not really all that into, i would prefer the FJ honestly, but really lean towards the 04-08 4Runner if I get another one.

I have had an 85 an 86 I SAS and also a 89 before I got this, the only Generation I haven't had are 3rd and 5th Gen. My favorite model's are the 2nd gen and the 4th gens.

Tacoma is way up there and I considered the Nissan but i"ve honestly had bad luck with them so they aren't that high on my short list... I would like the truck bed.

As for what I"m doing - towing, road trips, excursion trips, 4wheeling, Moab cross country trip - Tennessee trip, when i refer to trip, i am saying drive there - play offroad and then head to the trails. I am buying a boat and I surf every chance I get.

All reasons a car won't work, either a 7 passenger SUV or a 5 passenger truck. I've been looking at landcruisers lately as well and if I could find a 120k or less on an LX450 I would consider it as well - I do that type of off-roading that front and rear lockers are not a bad thing...

 

[Ross]

I do that type of off-roading that front and rear lockers are not a bad thing...

If you are wheeling where front and rear locker are needed I am not sure I would be thinking IFS, but that just me. Often trials that require lockers can also cause damage. I am new to the Toyota word and not sure if there are upgrades to help strengthen the IFS. I would think with all the people you would be hauling around an SUV would better suit you. You mention wanting 3rd row seating. If you are traveling with all those seat filled you will need a place for luggage, a roof rack or trailer may become necessary.

 

[vandert]

If you are wheeling where front and rear locker are needed I am not sure I would be thinking IFS, but that just me. Often trials that require lockers can also cause damage. I am new to the Toyota word and not sure if there are upgrades to help strengthen the IFS. I would think with all the people you would be hauling around an SUV would better suit you. You mention wanting 3rd row seating. If you are traveling with all those seat filled you will need a place for luggage, a roof rack or trailer may become necessary.

Hence looking at the LC's and LX's but I'm not afraid to do SAS's either, did two of my own and assisted on others. I am very competent and I am pretty sure I could have the engine, trans, ecu, harness and everything from the ford over into the 4Runner in a 3 day period running...

Then a few months later I would do the SAS and probably full-widths', the F150 has an 8.8 but is only 3.73 but has a new detroit in it...

I love my projects, but my Capri is goign to be my project from here on out, want my next vehicle purchase to be a 7-10 year purchase that will take the milage, take the off-roading, and can tow.

 

[Thai]

Don't forget that Toyota's A-TRAC (in 5th gen 4runners and FJ) plus rear locker should be plenty capable over most trails. Toyota's A-TRAC is an off-road tool, unlike the earlier versions of it. A-TRAC operates only in 4-LO and is pretty aggressive at clamping down the slipping wheel(s). I have been impress with it on our past off-roading trips. Sure, a front locker is nice to have, but you trade that off in cost (to do SAS) and ride/handling.

 

[Will733]

Here is why it is a better value:

1. Rated equally by Consumer Reports in reliability; not sure about resale value, but CR is very high on it

2. Fully-boxed frame; a small version of the Titan's frame. The Tacoma frame is boxed only in the front cab; middle and rear are C-frame. Car & Driver noted the Tacoma's frame to be flexy (in a bad way!) in their long-term test.

3. Rear disc brakes...i find this ridiculous that the Tacoma still has drum brakes!

4. Because it is not popular as Tacoma, you can haggle more...thus, a better value on dollar face.

5. The rear bed is more flexible (from what i have read) and the lining is tougher as well.

6. Dana 44 rear axle

7. Underbody is much cleaner in the Frontier over the Tacoma's everything-hanging-low underbody.

Yes, on appearance the interior looks cheaper than the Tacoma...but, if you actually touch the tacoma's interior, it ain't all expensive either!

Touche! Nissan does make great cars and trucks, but I also had bad experience with a past Nissan... 1992 300z that needed a new transmission before hitting 100k, and other electrical issues. If it weren't for Toyota having the better reputation, looks (In my opinion), and higher resale, I would probably go with Nissan to save some cash and still have a very solid and capable truck.

 

[Thai]

Touche! Nissan does make great cars and trucks, but I also had bad experience with a past Nissan... 1992 300z that needed a new transmission before hitting 100k, and other electrical issues. If it weren't for Toyota having the better reputation, looks (In my opinion), and higher resale, I would probably go with Nissan to save some cash and still have a very solid and capable truck.

My wife hates Nissan and Mazda due to past experiences. I don't blame you guys. But, for small trucks, there aren't many choices...it comes down to Nissan vs. Toyota. Although Toyota Tacoma has a huge following (thus, strong resale value) and is certainly capable, the Frontier is equally capable while proving to be more truck than the Tacoma in ways noted above. I just can't stand the fact that the Tacoma still has drum brakes despite a $32,000 price tag in its TRD 4x4! Oh, you also get a crappy flexy frame with that price tag too! This reminds me of the Corolla. Toyota is falling behind the competition (Focus, Cruze, Kia, Hyundais) with their outdated designs! Is Toyota still living on past reputation? :redbrick:

 

[Ross]

Hence looking at the LC's and LX's but I'm not afraid to do SAS's either, did two of my own and assisted on others. I am very competent and I am pretty sure I could have the engine, trans, ecu, harness and everything from the ford over into the 4Runner in a 3 day period running...

Then a few months later I would do the SAS and probably full-widths', the F150 has an 8.8 but is only 3.73 but has a new detroit in it...

I love my projects, but my Capri is goign to be my project from here on out, want my next vehicle purchase to be a 7-10 year purchase that will take the milage, take the off-roading, and can tow.

I just got an 04 T4R and It has a decent amount of space but it has allot of sheet metal and glass for any serious off-road machine I would want to build. If you are going to do all that I would keep the 4Runner you have and go from there. Why pay all that $$ for a newer vehicle when you are going to mod it that much.

I would go with a selectable locker over an automatic esp. if you have a longer wheel base. Maneuvering in a short wheel base vehicle is bad enough with auto lockers.